Description: Homewood, Illinois is a southern suburb of Chicago, located just South of I-80. The City of Homewood, inspired by the success of the Rochelle Railroad Park, has built a railfan viewing platform to the East of the CN (former IC) right of way (which is 8 tracks wide through downtown Homewood). The Platform is elevated and features benches and a scanner over a loudspeaker. The action includes plenty of CN/IC, Amtrak, and Metra Electric District trains. Train volumes frequently top 100 trains per day according to local officials. Metra parking lots are not free and you must pay or be towed. There is plenty of free parking available. There is an Illinois Central equipment display across the tracks from the viewing platform by the Amtrak Station. There is a pedestrian tunnel under the tracks at the Metra Station to connect the two sides of the tracks.

Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 90+ The majority of trains are Metra.

Nearby RR stuff: CN’s busy Markham Yard is located to the north of Homewood Station and yard movements in and out of the yard are common. There is little opportunity to view the yards except from public roads which surround them or pass through them.

Gregariousness quotient: low, I have rarely seen other railfans at this location.

Local Food: Plenty of good restaurants and shops are in town, just 2 blocks from the viewing platform. There is a Starbuck’s Coffee right across the street from the viewing platform.

Local Pub and grub: Two miles south of Homewood is Flossmoor Station Restaurant and BreweryN 41.5433, W 87.6787 located on the West side of the CN tracks in a former IC train station; The Tin Ceiling Bar, 2012 Ridge Rd in town, N 41.56159, W 87.66590

Do you have info that you could share with me. I would welcome suggestions, additions, or corrections to this page (or any page). New info will be credited on the page. e-mail me at gregariousrailfan@gmail.com